Festival Weekend

Following is an email we received that went out to many of the Gringos in Cotacachi.  We found it to be interesting that so much will be happening just as we are leaving to return to the States. There are many festivals throughout the year but this weekend seems to be an exception because of the coinciding of dates.

Hola/Hello:

The Day of the Dead is almost upon us. On this day, Ecuadorians traditionally visit their family plots at their local cemetery. Indigenous families on this day share food with each other, and with other families, as a celebration of life together in the presence of their dearly departed. This year, the Day of the Dead coincides with so many other special days that we will officially see a five-day holiday weekend throughout Ecuador, and in some cities, the days of celebrations and commemoration will extend for the entirety of next week.

On October 31st, Otavalo celebrates the Dia del Escudo (National Coat of Arms), with parades and other commemorative events. November 1st is the day of the Angel Who'll Wake the Dead and we can expect that lots of early morning church bells as a representation of the angel will make a presence in the Catholic Churches before sunrise during special Masses. Cuenca celebrates November 3rd as its Independence Day (from Spain since 1820).

Wednesday, November 2nd, 10AM - Cemetery Picnic Tour
November Second is a very special day in Ecuador and is the most colorful day to visit our town cemetery. This coming Wednesday, November 2nd, I am planning a one-hour guided tour of the cemetery (where we will hopefully meet up with a couple of helpful local officials also) to witness together an especially vibrant and important expression of culture and community spirit. This is my favorite space in town because of the beautiful garden plots, and I look forward to sharing what I have learned from our neighbors on my daily visits here. Bocaditos tours always have something to do with food and this indigenous-family picnic day offers the best opportunity for us to partake together in tastings of two special gustatory delights that are important aspects of this day. Sweet, decorated baby-shaped Guagua breads and the dark and sweet-tart Colada Morada are traditionally prepared for this day and for the tour price of three dollars, I will be providing a version of these treats for us to refresh us during our-hour-long walk together.

Some association between the beginning of harvesting season and the respectful acknowledgement of death as a necessary part of life is expressed in social celebrations of cultures around the world. In many places, something like Halloween, Samhain, Day of Innocents, All Saints Day, and so many more are celebrated around the end of October and the beginning of November. These celebrations function as an opportunity to reinforce friendships and family connections and to bond with others whose help is appreciated for the intense work of harvest to come. The focus on mortality is made all the more relevant because we have to cut down the last season's plantings for our own nourishment and to prepare for what comes next.

How the Indigenous approach this matter is fascinating in itself and I would like it if we get to share some part of this day together with them and with each other. In any case, I encourage everyone to come to the cemetery at any time on November 2nd for Dia de los Difuntos.
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